Lot details
Registration No: J71 MLL
Chassis No: SDLDGN3P3NA011709
Mot Expiry: Nov 2006

Although previewed at the 1990 Birmingham Motor Show, a series of ongoing chassis revisions meant that deliveries of the sensational TVR Griffith did not begin until early 1992. Borrowing elements from its Tuscan racer and V8S siblings once finalised, the new model's polyester-coated tubular spaceframe featured all round independent coil-over wishbone suspension and four-wheel disc brakes. Available with a choice of 4.0 or 4.3 litre V8 engines, the promise of 280bhp and 305lbft of torque meant that most customers opted for the latter unit despite the £2,404 it added to the price tag. Fitted with five-speed manual transmission and a Quaife limited-slip differential as standard, Autocar discovered that the Griffith 4.3 was "faster than a Porsche 911 Turbo and Ferrari Testarossa up to 120mph". Recording 0-60mph in 4.7 seconds and 0-100mph in 11.1 seconds, the magazine also praised the TVR's ergonomics adding that it was comfortable "even for the tallest (6ft4in) of our testers".
Finished in dark blue with light grey / blue leather upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in good condition with regard to its engine, gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, chassis, bodywork, paintwork and OZ alloy wheels / tyres. Coming directly from the estate of the late Gerry Marshall, the great man only owned the TVR for a comparatively brief time and so never got round to registering it in his own name. Reportedly treated to an "engine and gearbox rebuild" within the last two years or so, J71 MLL is further said to have had "new adjustable suspension and tyres fitted" in 2003 since when it "has only done approximately 1,000 miles". Further benefiting from a large-bore tubular exhaust system (seemingly dated 02-1999), the Griffith enjoyed several track day outings with a previous keeper. Currently SORN registered and plagued by a central locking fault, it was given a short run and MOT tested before going into pre-sale storage. Perhaps more the kind of V8 powersliding beast that one would naturally associate with Mr Marshall's circuit heroics, it is believed but not warranted to have covered 99,000 miles from new. A supercar with superstar provenance, this exciting Griffith is offered for sale with V5 registration document, sundry receipts, MOT certificate valid until 28th November 2006 and DVLA correspondence concerning Mr Marshall's title claim.